Machine used in electrically testing battery intercell connectors and terminal posts

ABSTRACT

A machine used in electrically testing battery intercell connectors and terminal posts. The machine includes electrical probes which, when used with appropriate electrical test circuits, can determine whether the connectors and posts are properly constructed and connected to the cell element.

I United States Patent 11113,609,525

[72] Inventors William R. Cllngenpeel [50] Field of Search 324/295,1141114161161 116mm; 149, 158 P, 73 R, 51, 52, 62 R, 65 CP, 71 R; PhilipC. Hunger-lord, Jr., Cleveland; 320/48 1mm R. 11. ea, Euelid' Thomas w.Jennens, Eutilke, all of 0hlo [56] Rehmw Cited 21 Appl. NO. 28,226UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 Filed Apr. 16, 1970 2,093,429 9/1937 Foss 209/81X 45 Patented Sept- 28. 1 1 2,l49,686 3/1939 Rivenburgh. 324/65 cv 73]Assignee ESB Incorporated 3,017,570 1/1962 Floyd 324/295 Phllldelphhl'm3,185,927 5/1965 Margulis m1. 324/158 P Continuation of applica i3,236,374 2/ 19156 Zimmerman et al 324/73 AT 643,631, June 5, 1967, nowabandoned,

[54] MACHINE USED IN ELECTRICALLY TESTING BATTERY INTERCELL CONNECTORSAND Primary Examiner-Rudolph V. Rolinec Assistant Examiner-R. J.Corcoran Attorneys-Alfred J. Snyder, Jr., Robert H. Robinson and Raymondl... Balfour are properly constructed and connected to the cell element.

PATENIEU was Ian sum 01 or 10 PATENTEDSEP28I97I 3,609,525

sum 03 or 10 Fig.4 I I PATENTl-instPzslen 3,609,525

I sum us or 10 PATENTEDSEPZBIBYI 35091525 sum 070F10 I MACHINE USED INELECTRICALLY TESTING BA'I'I'ERY INTERCELL CONNECTORS AND TERMINAL POSTS"This is a continuation of Application Serial No. 643,631, filed June 5,1967, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This inventionprovides a machine having electrical probes which, when used withappropriate electrical test circuits, can detennine whether theintercell connectors and terminal posts are properly constructed andconnected to the cell element. While the machine to be described indetail is similar in construction to the machine which is described inthe related application and which casts intercell connectors andterminal posts onto the connecting straps, this machine may be used totest electrically the connection of the connectors and posts with thestraps regardless of how that connection has been achieved. This machineis independent of the electrical test circuit used to determine theadequacy of the electrical connections, for a variety of such circuitscould be employed with this machine; a typical test circuit wouldmeasure the actual magnitude of some electrical characteristic such ascurrent flow or voltage drop through or across the machine's probes, andthen compare the measured value with a preselected standard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a front elevation of themachine with the battery in its fully elevated position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a portion of the machine, with portionsremoved, showing the battery in its fully elevated position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a portion of the machine showing thebattery in a different vertical and horizontal position from FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the portion of the machine shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectioned plan view of the machine together with the batteryand its accompanying jig plate, taken along the section line A-A shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective showing the probe assemblies used in testing theintercell connectors and terminal posts.

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of the mechanism which moves the batteryhorizontally between testing stations, looking from the rear of themachine toward the front.

FIG. 8 is an oblique view showing various switches in the machine.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a portion of the bottom of the machine,showing the piston of the main lift cylinder lowered so that its collaris below a cutout in a horizontal key.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9, but shows the piston fully elevated andthe collar above the key.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, but shows the piston lowered sothat the collar rests upon the key.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the main lift cylinder and the key in theposition in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the main lift cylinder and the key in theposition shown in FIG. I 1.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a six cell automobile battery before the coveris placed on. I

FIG. 15 is a sectional elevation showing an intercell connectorextending through the partition.

FIG. 16 is an oblique view of the battery and its accompanying jigplate.

FIG. 17 is a sectioned elevation showing how the jig plate engages theend of the battery container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Before beginning a discussion ofthe machine whichis the subject of this application, it is in order togive a brief description of a typical battery on which the machine mightperform its operations.

FIG. 14 shows a six'cell automobile battery after the terminal postsandintercell connectors are constructed'but before the cover of thebatter is applied. The drawing shows a container 10 having partitions 12which divide the space inside the container into six compartments 14.Inside each compartment is a series of negative and positive plates,altematively spaced and separated from one another by suitableseparators. Extending across the compartments and'electricallyconnecting all positive plates with one another and all negative plateswith one another are positive and negative connecting straps 16 and'18,respectively. Collectively the plates, separa-- tors, and connectingstraps constitute cell elements 20. Inasmuch as all of this is typicalof conventional battery construction, no elaborate explanation will begiven, and the drawing shows the plates and separators schematicallyrepresented by lines. FIG. 14 also shows the positive terminal post 22and negative terminal post 24 extending up from their respectiveconnecting straps 16 18, as well as showing five intercell connectors 28which electrically connect the six cell elements 20. FIG. 15 shows oneof the intercell connectors extending through the partition, although itshould be understood that the connector could go over rather thanthrough the partition.

Since the intercell'connectors are situated inside the batterycontainer, it is necessary either to move the battery to the test probesor, conversely, move the test probes to the battery. The machine shownin the drawings moves the battery to the. probes, and in so doingrequires movement along all three of the principle axes. Forconvenience, these axes are labeled X,, Y, and Z, and are defined asshown in FIGS. I and 2 the functional parts are mounted. At the bottomand near the center of the machine is a hydraulic or air cylinder C:2,to the vertical piston of which is mounted a table 32. Mounted in theframe 30 is a series of horizontally aligned belts 34 (FIGS. 1, 2, and5) which move over pulleys 36 and which are driven by a combinationelectric motor and speed reducer mechanism 38 attached by a bracket 40to the frame 30. These belts assist in moving the battery into thedesired position for electrical testing and will normally constitute asegment of a longer conveyor system, the remaining portions of whichlead to and from the machine and are not shown in the drawings.

To provide vertical movement to the battery, a series of risers 42(FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5) are mounted on the table 32 and spaced betweenthe belts 34 and their associated pulleys 36. The movements of the partsof the machine are programmed in such a manner that the piston ofcylinder piston Q2, and consequently the risers 42, are lowered when thebattery is being received, but afterward rise to elevate the battery tothe proper level for electrical testing. To facilitate horizontalmovement of the battery, each riser is provided at its top with a ballcaster.

In addition to the vertical movement, the machine must also imparthorizontal motion to the battery. Although with suffrcient probes andtest circuits the machine could test all intercell connectorssimultaneously, the machine shown in the drawings tests only oneintercell connector at a time, and in the process of testing all fiveintercell connectors will move The machine (FIGS. 1 and 4) includes aframe 30 on which 7 the battery horizontally along the W-shaped pathshown in FIG. 14 to facilitate later discussion, the five points of thisletter "W will be designated as points A," B, C, D," and E." Thehorizontal motion is transmitted to the battery by cam followers 44(FIGS. 2 and 3) which lock into position in the U-shaped channel 46 of ajig plate 48 fitting over the top of the battery, as shown in FIGS. 2through 5 and FIG. 16. The cam followers 44 are rigidly secured to ahorizontally movable cam plate 50 which is suspended above the table 32by means of a support bracket 52, a U-shaped bracket 54, and otherassociated parts whose operation will be described in detail later.

The intercell connector test probe assembly 300 is shown in FIG. 6 beingsuspended from the top of the frame 30 by means of a probe bracket 302.The probe assembly contains a pair of current passing probes and atleast two probes used in determining the magnitude of the electricalcharacteristic measured by the rest circuit. Similarly, two terminalpost probe assemblies 304 are suspended by probe bracket 306, as shownin FIG. 8.

Before describing the sequence of motions of the machine, it should bestated generally that these motions are produced by cylinders which areactivated when associated switches are closed, tripped, or triggered.There must, of course, be some circuitry connecting the switches withthe cylinders. Since these circuits may be electrical, air, or hydraulicand since numerous circuits accomplishing the same net result might bedevised, no specific circuit diagram will be shown. Instead such termsas triggering switch M causes cylinder M to function or cylinder Mfunctions in response to the action of switch M will be used, theseterms being understood to imply that there is an appropriate circuit ofsome type between the switch and the cylinder.

The sequence of motions of the machine will now be described, beginningwith the time when the battery and ac companying jig plate roll onto thebelts 34 and are deflected by the guide fence 80 (FIGS. 1 and 3) intothe proper horizontal position so that the cam followers 44 fit into theU-shaped channel 46 of jig plate 48. The forward motion of the batteryalong the X axis will come to a halt when the jig plate 48 bumps intothe outwardly projecting stop pin 82 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). Simultaneouslythe advancing battery triggers switch S: l-2-48 (positioned above thecam plate 50 but having its actuator arm 51 extending downward below thecam plate to make contact with the jig plate on top of the battery, seeFIG. 8), causing shot pin 84 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) to extend at the rearof the battery to lock the battery in place. Motion of shot pin 84 toproduced by air cylinder C21, which functions in response to the actionof switch S: 12-48, Switch S: 1-2-4- 8, when triggered, also causescylinder C:2 to function, raising the table 32, risers 42 and thebattery upward. The battery is lifted so that the intercell connector atPosition A (see FIG. 14) comes into engagement with the test probeassembly 300. If desired the probe assembly 300 may be spring loaded toassure good contact, and therefore good electrical connection, with theintercell connector. When the piston of cylinder C:2 approaches the topof its stroke, switch S23 (suspended from the frame 30, see FIG. 8) istriggered by an arm 86 extending outward from bracket 54; when sotriggered, switch 8:3 causes a pulse or short duration current to besent through the current passing probes in assembly 300 and intercellconnector so that the electrical characteristic being employed in thetest circuit can be measured and compared with the preselected standardto determine the suitability of nonsuitability of the intercellconnector. If desired, the probe assembly 300 and the electrical testcircuit may be so designed that the suitability of the fused bondbetween the intercell connector and the positive and negative connectingstraps l6 and 18, respectively, may be determined separately from thesuitability of that portion of the intercell connector extending throughor over the partition; a series of measuring probes may be needed orused advantageously if such refinement is desired. The test circuitemployed will typically include means for shutting off the machine beingdescribed and/or alerting an operator whenever an intercell connector isdetermined to be unacceptable.

As the battery rises at Position A," an additional event occurs. The jigplate 48 placed on top of the rising battery comes in contact with thelower end of the rod 308 (FIG. 1) which extends up through the frame 30and is guided by a bracket 310, causing the rod 308 to lift. The upperend of rod 308 is normally in engagement with a switch 5:3 (:2) ismounted on top of frame 30, but this engagement is broken and switch S23(a) is triggered, when the rod 308 is lifted. When triggered, switch S23(a) causes cylinder C33 (positioned above frame 30, FIG. 1) to functionand lower the terminal post test probe assemblies 304 and probe bracket306 to make contact with the terminal posts and the respectiveconnecting straps to which they are connected. Pulses or short durationcurrents sent through the two probes can be used to determine thesuitability of the positive and negative terminal post castings and oftheir bond with their respective connecting straps.

Either switch 8:3 or S23 (a) may in addition be used to trigger aremotely located timing mechanism which regulates the time during whichcylinders C:2 and G3 are functioning; at the end of this time, cylinderC:3 lifts the terminal post test probe assemblies 304 and the piston ofcylinder C:2 is lowered.

It should be clear that the terminal post test probe assemblies 304 maybe lowered at any of the five points on the W" (FIG. 14), not just atPosition A"; the description above concerning when these probes arelowered is merely illustrative. It should be also clear that theterminal test probes need be lowered only once during the testing of abattery; this may be accomplished by positioning the rod 308 so that itis lifted by the jig plate only at Position A.

As the piston of cylinder C:2 lowers the battery, switch S:4-5 (locatedbeneath table 32, as shown in FIGS. 9, l0, and 11) is triggered by theundersurface of table 32, causing twoway air cylinders C14 and C:5 tofunction. As shown in FIG. 7, cylinder C:5, the one which causes the camplate 50 to move in the Y direction is securely mounted in bracket 54,and the piston of cylinder C:5 acts against a block 88. Block 88 is freeto slide along a pair of guide bars 90, and its motion is translated totie blocks 92 through a projecting portion of block 88 which is rigidlyconnected to tie blocks 92. Thus tie blocks 92 may move in the Y"direction, but not in the X" direction.

FIG. 7 also shows a pair of guide bars 94 which extend through, and mayslide with respect to, the tie blocks 92 in the X direction. The ends ofbars 94 are secured in the vertical portions of a frame 96 which isconstructed in the form of a rectangular loop; projecting outward fromthe top of this frame 96 is the cantilevered cam plate 50. Extendingdownward from the block 88 to which is is securely attached is a bracket98; cylinder C:4, which is oriented in the X direction so as to producemotion of the cam plate 50 in the X" direction, is in turn rigidlymounted on one side of bracket 98 so that its piston may slide freelythrough a hole 100 in bracket 98. The end of cylinder C:4s piston isrigidly affixed to a bracket 102 projecting outward from frame 96. Fromthis it can be seen that when cylinder C:5 is activated, its pistoncauses bracket 102, frame 96, guide bars 94, and cam plate 50 to movesimultaneously in the X" direction with respect to the tie blocks 92.

From the proceeding it can be seen that frame 96 to which cam plate 50is secured will move in the Y" direction in response to the action ofcylinder C:5 and in the X" direction in response to the action cylinderC:4.

While the action of both cylinders C24 and C:5 is initiated by thetriggering of switch S:4-5, cylinder C:5 is activated after cylinderCz4; at Positions B, C," and D" (see FIG. 14), this time delay isnecessary or desirable to permit a cam guide 106 to move out of the peakat that position before cylinder C:5 is activated. When both cylindersQ4 and C:5 function, as they will when switch 824-5 is triggered, camplate 50 will move in the horizontal X-Y plane along a path which ispredetermined by the shape of a groove 104 cut in the under side of camplate 50. As is shown in FIG. 4, this groove 104 has the same "W" shapewhich appears in FIG. 14. The cam plate 50 is made to follow along thisW-shaped path by reason of a cam guide 106 which, as can be seen inFIGS. 2 and 5, fits into the groove 104. The cam guide 106 is at the endof a linkage 108 which slides vertically through a block 110 aflixed tothe top of bracket 54; this block 110 permits vertical but nothorizontal motion of the linkage 108, the motion being produced at theproper time by cylinder C:7 below.

Slnce the cam plate must move in the Y" direction both toward and awayfrom the battery as it travels its W-shaped course, something must causethe two-way air cylinder C:5 to function in the proper direction. Thisis done by double-action switch 8:5, which is located on the side ofbracket 54 as shown in FIG. 8 and which is triggered each time thepiston of cylinder C:5 reaches an extreme position of its movement.Thus, when switch 8:5 is tripped in one direction, cylinder C:5 advancesthe cam plate in the Y direction toward the battery, while when switch8:5 is tripped the other way cylinder C:5 pulls the cam plate away-fromthe battery. While one of the functions of switch S:4-5 is to causecylinder C:5 to act at the right time, switch'SzS causes cylinder C:5 toact in the right direction.

When cylinder C:5 reaches the end of its stroke (when the cam plate hasmoved from Position A" to Position B" along its W-shaped path), thebattery will be in position to have its second intercell connectortested. Something, however, must cause cylinder C:2, the main cylinderproviding vertical motion to the table 32 and risers 42, to function andraise the battery up to the test probes. This is done by switch S:2, adoubleaction switch mounted on the top of bracket 54 (FIG. 8). An arm108 extending upward from block 88 has two trips, 110 and 112, whichengage switch S22 as cylinder C:5 comes to the end of its stroke ineither direction along the Y" axis. Regardless of which way switch 8:2is tripped, it causes cylinder C:2 to function and lift the battery. Anew cycle of the machine then begins, with switch S:3 being triggeredwhen cylinder C:2 approaches the top of its stroke, causing one or morepulses to be sent through the probes 300 so that the suitability of theintercell connector at Position B may be determined. Successive cyclesare repeated until the last of the five intercell connectors is tested.

After the last intercell connector is tested, at which time the camplate will be at Position along its W-shaped path, the table 32 onceagain begins to go down. During this descent switch S:6-7-8, mounted onframe 30 as shown in FIG. 8, is tripped by the downward motion of arm114 which is attached to the cam plate 50. Tripping of switch S; 6-7-8activates cylinders C:6, C:7, and C;8, thus causing several events tooccur. First, cylinder C:6 is activated, retracting the stop pin 82(FIG. 4) which in turn permits the constantly rotating belts 34 to carrythe battery away from the machine as soon as the batter is loweredsufficiently. Secondly, since the cam plate is now ready to move fromPosition 5'' back to Position A (FIG. 14) and there is no reason totravel backwards along the W-shaped path to get back to Position A,cylinder C:7 is activated, retracting the cam guide 106 to which itspiston is connected from the groove of the camplate; the cam plate isthen free to move along a straight line path back to Position A.Cylinder C:8 is also activated when S:6-7-8 is triggered; however, thatcylinder should be discussed separately.

When the battery first advances onto the machine it is transported bythe constantly rotating belts 34 and is lifted from the belts whencylinder C:2 first functions to raise the battery toward its firstintercell connector test position. Although the battery must be loweredand raised again several more times before it is ready to be removedfrom the machine, there is no need for the battery'to come down on thebelts 34 since the necessary horizontal motion in the X" direction willbe transmitted to the battery through the cam plate and jig plate.Indeed, it is preferable for the battery not to be on the moving belts34 until after the last intercell connector is tested, so that themachine does not have to overcome the force of the belts in order toprevent undesired motion to the battery in the "X" direction. With thisin mind, attention is directed toward FIGS. 9 through 13, which show aslidable key 116 located in the center of the machine's frame 30 andbeneath the table 32. See also FIGS. 1 through 3 for the location ofthis key. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the key 116 has a cutout 118 init. Both the larger and smaller portions of the cutout 118 are ofsufficient size to accommodate the piston of cylinder C:2, but only thelarger portion is of sufficient diameter to permit a col- Is: 120located on the piston of cylinder C:2 to go through the cutout 118.Horizontal sliding motion is provided to key 116 by the piston oftwo-way air cylinder C:8. Before a battery is received by the machine,the piston of cylinder C:2 isall the way down so that the collar 120 isbelow the key 116; at this time the larger portion of cutout 118 isdirectly above the collar. (In FIG. 9 the battery has been received, buthas not yet been lifted. See also FIG. 12, a view taken at the same timeas FIG. 9.) When the advancing battery triggers switch Szl-2-4- 8,cylinder C:2 is activated, raising the battery. Following a suitabletime delay suflicient to permit the collar 120 to raise up through thecutout in the key, cylinder G8 is activated, moving the key horizontally(FIG. 10) so that when the piston of cylinder C:2 comes down later, thecollar 120 will rest on top of the key (see FIG. 11); the piston ofcylinder C:2 will go downward through the smaller portion of the cutout,but the collar will not (FIGS. 11 and 13). The vertical descent of thepiston of cylinder C:2 will thus be limited. With the collar resting onthe key, the test probes 300 will clear the top of the batterypermitting the battery to be moved along its W-shaped path; at the sametime, the battery remains sufficiently elevated so that it doesn't reston the revolving belts 34. After the last intercell connector is tested,it is desirable to have cylinder C:8 function again in the reversedirection so that the collar will lower through the cutout in the keyand so that the battery will be lowered to the revolving belts where itcan be transported away from the machine. This last motion of cylinderC;8 is caused when switch S;678 is triggered.

The switch S:1-2-4-8 (see FIG. 8) whose arm 51 makes contact with thejig plate on top of the battery is released when the battery advances inthe X direction away from the machine and the switch arm 51 drops offthe back of the jig plate. When switch S:l24-8 is so released, cylinderC11 activates to retract shot pin 84 and simultaneously cylinder C:4functions, returning the cam plate along a straight line path fromposition E to Position A. When the cam plate reached Position A, switchS27-6 (FIG. 8) is triggered by an arm 122 mounted from and above block88. This causes cylinders C:6 and C:7 to again function but in reversedirection to their previous motions so that the stop pin 82 againprojects outward and the cam guide 106 is inserted into the W-shapedgroove of the cam plate.

At this point the machine is finished with its work on one battery andis ready to receive another. The piston of cylinder C:2 is all the waydown. The stop pin 82 is extended, while shot pin 84 is retracted. Thecam plate is back to position A", and the cam guide 16 is inserted intothe groove of the cam plate.

It should now be apparent that the machine could easily be modified totest connectors for batteries having other than six cells, and using acam plate having a groove other than W- shaped. The six automobilebattery and the W-shaped cam plate groove described about have beendescribed simply as one typical example in which the machine might finduse.

We claim:

1. A machine used in electrically testing intercell connectors ofmulticell batteries, said multiple cells being separated by partitionswith said connectors joining cells on either side of said partitionscomprising:

a. a frame;

b. means supported by the frame for receiving the battery container;

c. an electrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members;

d. means supported by the frame for causing the probe assembly to comeinto engagement with an intercell connector so that one of theelectrical probe members is in contact with an intercell connector onone side of a battery container partition while the other probe memberis in contact with the same intercell connector on the other side of thesame partition;

e. means for causing an electrical current to be passed between the pairof probe members while the probe members are in contact with theintercell connector; and,

f. means for measuring the magnitude of an electrical characteristic ofthe intercell connector when the electrical current is being passedbetween the pair of probe members.

2. The machine of claim 1 in which the means for causing the probeassembly to come into engagement with the intercell connector comprises:

a. means for moving the battery container horizontally to a pointbeneath the probe assembly; and,

b. means for elevating the battery container so that the intercellconnector comes into engagement with the probe assembly.

3. The machine of claim 2 in which the means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally comprise;

a. a cam plate supported by the frame;

b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

c. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; and,

d. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide.

4. The machine of claim 2 in which the means for elevating the batterycontainer comprise:

a. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movablepiston therein;

b. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder; and,

c. risers mounted on the table, the risers being arranged to elevate thebattery container when the cylinders piston lifts the table.

5. A machine used in electrically testing intercell connectors in amulticell battery, said multiple cells being separated by partitionswith said connectors joining cells on either side of said partitionscomprising:

a. a frame;

b. pulleys mounted in the frame;

c. belts engaging the pulleys for receiving the battery container;

d. a motor adapted to drive the pulleys and belts;

e. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movablepiston therein;

f. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder;

g. risers mounted on the table and spaced between the belts and thepulleys;

h. a cam plate supported by and above the table;

i. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

j. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate;

it. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide; and,

I. an electrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members, in which thebattery container is brought into position so that one of the electricalprobe members is in contact with an intercell connector on one side of abattery container partition while the other probe member is in contactwith the same intercell connector on the other side of the samepartition by the combined movements of the cylinder piston and the meanswhich causes the cam plate to move.

6. A machine used in electrically testing the connection of batteryterminal posts to their respective connecting straps comprising:

a. aframe; b. means supported by the frame for receiving a batterycontainer;

c. an electrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members;

d. means supported by the frame for causing the probe assembly to comeinto engagement with the battery so that one of the electrical probemembers is in contact with the battery terminal post and the other probemember is in with the connecting strap to which the terminal post is vconnected;

e. means for causing an electrical current to be passed between the pairof probe members while the probe members are in contact with theterminal post and the connecting strap; and,

f. means for measuring the magnitude of an electrical characteristic ofthe terminal post and its connection to the connecting strap when theelectrical current is being passed between the pair of probe members.

7. The machine of claim 6 in which the means for causing the probeassembly to come into engagement with the battery terminal post and theconnecting strap to which it is connected comprises:

a. means for moving the battery container horizontally to a pointbeneath the probe assembly; and,

b. means for elevating the battery container so that the terminal postand the connecting strap to which it is connected come into engagementwith the probe assembly.

8. The machine of claim 6 in which the means for causing the probeassembly to come into engagement with the battery terminal post and theconnecting strap to which the tenninal post is connected comprises:

a. means for moving the battery container horizontally to a pointbeneath the probe assembly; and,

b. means for lowering the probe assembly so that one of the electricalprobe members comes in contact with the terminal post and the otherprobe member comes in contact with the connecting strap to which theterminal post is connected.

9. The machine of claim 6 in which the means for causing the probeassembly to come into engagement with the battery terminal post and theconnecting strap to which the terminal post is connected comprises:

a. means for moving the battery container horizontally to a pointbeneath the probe assembly; and,

b. means for then moving the probe assembly and battery vertically sothat one of the electrical probe members comes in contact with theterminal post and the other probe member comes in contact with theconnecting strap to which the terminal post is connected.

10. The machine of claim 7 in which the means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally comprises:

a. a cam plate supported by the frame;

b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

c. a cam guide in engagement with cam plate; and,

d. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide.

11. The machine of claim 8 in which the means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally comprise:

a. a cam plate supported by the frame;

b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

c. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; and,

d. means supported by frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide.

12. The machine of claim 9 in which the means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally comprise:

a. a cam plate supported by the frame;

b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

c. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; and,

d. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide.

13 The machine of claim 7 in which the means for elevating the batterycontainer comprise:

a. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movablepiston therein;

b. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder; and,

c. risers mounted on the table, the risers being arranged to elevate thebattery container when the cylinders piston lifts the table.

14. A machine used in electrically testing the connection of batteryterminal posts to their respective connecting straps comprising:

a. a frame;

b. pulleys mounted in the frame;

c. belts engaging the pulleys for receiving the batter container;

d. a motor adapted to drive the pulleys and belts;

e. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movablepiston therein;

f. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder;

g. risers mounted on the table and spaced between the belts and thepulleys;

h. a cam plate supported by and above the table;

i. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

j. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate;

k. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide; and,

i. an electrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members, in which thebattery container is brought into position by the cylinder piston andthe cam plate moving means so that one of the electrical probe membersis in contact with the battery terminal post and the other probe memberis in contact with the connecting strap to which the terminal post isconnected.

15. A machine used in electrically testing the connection of intercellconnectors of multicell batteries to their respective connecting strapscomprising:

a. a frame;

b. means supported by the frame for receiving the battery container;

c. an electrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members;

d. means supported by the frame for causing the probe assembly to comeinto engagement with the battery so that one of the electrical probemembers is in contact with an intercell connector while the other probemember is in contrast with one of the connecting straps to which theintercell connector is joined;

e. means for causing an electrical current to be passed between the pairof probe members while the probe members are in contact with theintercell connector; and the connecting strap and .llL

f. means for measuring the magnitude of an electrical characteristic ofthe intercell connector and its connection to the connecting strap whenthe electrical current is being passed between the pair of probemembers.

16. The machine of claim 15 in which the means for causing the probeassembly to come into engagement with the battery comprises:

a. means for moving the battery container horizontally to a pointbeneath the probe assembly; and,

b. means for elevating the battery so that the battery comes intoengagement with the probe assembly.

17. The machine of claim 16 in which the means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally comprises:

a. a cam plate supported by the frame;

b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

c. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; and,

d. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide.

18. The machine of claim 16 in which the means for elevating the batterycontainer com rise:

a. a cylinder mounted in t e frame and having a vertically movablepiston therein;

b. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder; and,

c. risers mounted on the table, the risers being arranged to elevate thebattery container when the cylinder's piston lifts the table.

19. A machine used in electrically testing the connection of intercellconnectors in a battery to their respective connecting strapscomprising:

a. a frame;

b. pulleys mounted in the frame;

c. belts engaging the pulleys for receiving the battery container;

d. a motor adapted to drive the pulleys and belts;

e. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movablepiston therein;

f. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder;

g. risers mounted on the table and spaced between the belts and thepulleys;

h. a cam plate supported by and above the table;

i. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer;

j. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate;

k. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide; and,

1. an electrical test probe assembly supported by the frame,

the probe assembly containing a pair of electrical probe members, inwhich the battery container is brought into engagement with the batteryso that one of the electrical probe members is in contact with anintercell connector while the other probe member is in contact with oneof the connecting straps to which the intercell connector is joined.

1. A machine used in electrically testing intercell connectors ofmulticell batteries, said multiple cells being separated by partitionswith said connectors joining cells on either side of said partitionscomprising: a. a frame; b. means supported by the frame for receivingthe battery container; c. an electrical test probe assembly supported bythe frame, the probe assembly containing a pair of electrical probemembers; d. means supported by the frame for causing the probe assemblyto come into engagement with an intercell connector so that one of theelectrical probe members is in contact with an intercell connector onone side of a battery container partition while the other probe memberis in contact with the same intercell connector on the other side of thesame partition; e. means for causing an electrical current to be passedbetween the pair of probe members while the probe members are in contactwith the intercell connector; and, f. means for measuring the magnitudeof an electrical characteristic of the intercell connector when theelectrical current is being passed between the pair of probe members. 2.The machine of claim 1 in which the means for causing the probe assemblyto come into engagement with the intercell connector comprises: a. meansfor moving the battery container horizontally to a point beneath theprobe assembly; and, b. means for elevating the battery container sothat the intercell connector comes into engagement with the probeassembly.
 3. The machine of claim 2 in whIch the means for moving thebattery container horizontally comprise: a. a cam plate supported by theframe; b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging thebattery container; c. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; and,d. means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide.
 4. The machine of claim 2 in which the meansfor elevating the battery container comprise: a. a cylinder mounted inthe frame and having a vertically movable piston therein; b. a tablemounted on the piston of the cylinder; and, c. risers mounted on thetable, the risers being arranged to elevate the battery container whenthe cylinder''s piston lifts the table.
 5. A machine used inelectrically testing intercell connectors in a multicell battery, saidmultiple cells being separated by partitions with said connectorsjoining cells on either side of said partitions comprising: a. a frame;b. pulleys mounted in the frame; c. belts engaging the pulleys forreceiving the battery container; d. a motor adapted to drive the pulleysand belts; e. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having a verticallymovable piston therein; f. a table mounted on the piston of thecylinder; g. risers mounted on the table and spaced between the beltsand the pulleys; h. a cam plate supported by and above the table; i.means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer; j. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; k. meanssupported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move with respect tothe cam guide; and, l. an electrical test probe assembly supported bythe frame, the probe assembly containing a pair of electrical probemembers, in which the battery container is brought into position so thatone of the electrical probe members is in contact with an intercellconnector on one side of a battery container partition while the otherprobe member is in contact with the same intercell connector on theother side of the same partition by the combined movements of thecylinder piston and the means which causes the cam plate to move.
 6. Amachine used in electrically testing the connection of battery terminalposts to their respective connecting straps comprising: a. a frame; b.means supported by the frame for receiving a battery container; c. anelectrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members; d. meanssupported by the frame for causing the probe assembly to come intoengagement with the battery so that one of the electrical probe membersis in contact with the battery terminal post and the other probe memberis in contact with the connecting strap to which the terminal post isconnected; e. means for causing an electrical current to be passedbetween the pair of probe members while the probe members are in contactwith the terminal post and the connecting strap; and, f. means formeasuring the magnitude of an electrical characteristic of the terminalpost and its connection to the connecting strap when the electricalcurrent is being passed between the pair of probe members.
 7. Themachine of claim 6 in which the means for causing the probe assembly tocome into engagement with the battery terminal post and the connectingstrap to which it is connected comprises: a. means for moving thebattery container horizontally to a point beneath the probe assembly;and, b. means for elevating the battery container so that the terminalpost and the connecting strap to which it is connected come intoengagement with the probe assembly.
 8. The machine of claim 6 in whichthe means for causing the probe assembly to come into engagement withthe battery terminal post and the connecting strap to which the terminalpost is connected comprises: a. means for moving the battery containerhorizontally to a point beneath the probe asSembly; and, b. means forlowering the probe assembly so that one of the electrical probe memberscomes in contact with the terminal post and the other probe member comesin contact with the connecting strap to which the terminal post isconnected.
 9. The machine of claim 6 in which the means for causing theprobe assembly to come into engagement with the battery terminal postand the connecting strap to which the terminal post is connectedcomprises: a. means for moving the battery container horizontally to apoint beneath the probe assembly; and, b. means for then moving theprobe assembly and battery vertically so that one of the electricalprobe members comes in contact with the terminal post and the otherprobe member comes in contact with the connecting strap to which theterminal post is connected.
 10. The machine of claim 7 in which themeans for moving the battery container horizontally comprises: a. a camplate supported by the frame; b. means associated with the cam plate forsecurely engaging the battery container; c. a cam guide in engagementwith cam plate; and, d. means supported by the frame for causing the camplate to move with respect to the cam guide.
 11. The machine of claim 8in which the means for moving the battery container horizontallycomprise: a. a cam plate supported by the frame; b. means associatedwith the cam plate for securely engaging the battery container; c. a camguide in engagement with the cam plate; and, d. means supported by theframe for causing the cam plate to move with respect to the cam guide.12. The machine of claim 9 in which the means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally comprise: a. a cam plate supported by the frame;b. means associated with the cam plate for securely engaging the batterycontainer; c. a cam guide in engagement with the cam plate; and, d.means supported by the frame for causing the cam plate to move withrespect to the cam guide. 13 The machine of claim 7 in which the meansfor elevating the battery container comprise: a. a cylinder mounted inthe frame and having a vertically movable piston therein; b. a tablemounted on the piston of the cylinder; and, c. risers mounted on thetable, the risers being arranged to elevate the battery container whenthe cylinder''s piston lifts the table.
 14. A machine used inelectrically testing the connection of battery terminal posts to theirrespective connecting straps comprising: a. a frame; b. pulleys mountedin the frame; c. belts engaging the pulleys for receiving the battercontainer; d. a motor adapted to drive the pulleys and belts; e. acylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movable pistontherein; f. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder; g. risersmounted on the table and spaced between the belts and the pulleys; h. acam plate supported by and above the table; i. means associated with thecam plate for securely engaging the battery container; j. a cam guide inengagement with the cam plate; k. means supported by the frame forcausing the cam plate to move with respect to the cam guide; and, l. anelectrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members, in which thebattery container is brought into position by the cylinder piston andthe cam plate moving means so that one of the electrical probe membersis in contact with the battery terminal post and the other probe memberis in contact with the connecting strap to which the terminal post isconnected.
 15. A machine used in electrically testing the connection ofintercell connectors of multicell batteries to their respectiveconnecting straps comprising: a. a frame; b. means supported by theframe for receiving the battery container; c. an electrical test probeassembly supported by the frame, the probe assembly containing a paIr ofelectrical probe members; d. means supported by the frame for causingthe probe assembly to come into engagement with the battery so that oneof the electrical probe members is in contact with an intercellconnector while the other probe member is in contact with one of theconnecting straps to which the intercell connector is joined; e. meansfor causing an electrical current to be passed between the pair of probemembers while the probe members are in contact with the intercellconnector and the connecting strap; and f. means for measuring themagnitude of an electrical characteristic of the intercell connector andits connection to the connecting strap when the electrical current isbeing passed between the pair of probe members.
 16. The machine of claim15 in which the means for causing the probe assembly to come intoengagement with the battery comprises: a. means for moving the batterycontainer horizontally to a point beneath the probe assembly; and, b.means for elevating the battery so that the battery comes intoengagement with the probe assembly.
 17. The machine of claim 16 in whichthe means for moving the battery container horizontally comprises: a. acam plate supported by the frame; b. means associated with the cam platefor securely engaging the battery container; c. a cam guide inengagement with the cam plate; and, d. means supported by the frame forcausing the cam plate to move with respect to the cam guide.
 18. Themachine of claim 16 in which the means for elevating the batterycontainer comprise: a. a cylinder mounted in the frame and having avertically movable piston therein; b. a table mounted on the piston ofthe cylinder; and, c. risers mounted on the table, the risers beingarranged to elevate the battery container when the cylinder''s pistonlifts the table.
 19. A machine used in electrically testing theconnection of intercell connectors in a battery to their respectiveconnecting straps comprising: a. a frame; b. pulleys mounted in theframe; c. belts engaging the pulleys for receiving the batterycontainer; d. a motor adapted to drive the pulleys and belts; e. acylinder mounted in the frame and having a vertically movable pistontherein; f. a table mounted on the piston of the cylinder; g. risersmounted on the table and spaced between the belts and the pulleys; h. acam plate supported by and above the table; i. means associated with thecam plate for securely engaging the battery container; j. a cam guide inengagement with the cam plate; k. means supported by the frame forcausing the cam plate to move with respect to the cam guide; and, l. anelectrical test probe assembly supported by the frame, the probeassembly containing a pair of electrical probe members, in which thebattery container is brought into engagement with the battery so thatone of the electrical probe members is in contact with an intercellconnector while the other probe member is in contact with one of theconnecting straps to which the intercell connector is joined.